A pulsating 2-2 draw unfolded at the Kuflink Stadium, where Ebbsfleet United fought back from a two-goal deficit against a Rochdale side who looked comfortable for much of the first half. The result offered little respite for the struggling home side, while Rochdale consolidated their position in the top half of the table. The match proved a captivating spectacle, swinging from end to end with tactical adjustments and ultimately, shared spoils.
Rochdale took the lead in the 36th minute. A well-worked passing move culminated in Connor McBride teeing up Tarryn Allarakhia, who calmly slotted the ball home. Ebbsfleet, already struggling to gain a foothold in the game, were dealt a further blow shortly before half-time. Jake Burger’s perfectly weighted pass found McBride, who made no mistake with his finish, doubling Rochdale’s advantage. The visitors looked in complete control as the half-time whistle blew, leaving Ebbsfleet with a significant uphill battle.
The second half witnessed a transformed Ebbsfleet side. The introduction of Sha’mar Lawson and Rakish Bingham at half-time injected much-needed pace and attacking intent. These substitutions paid off in the 64th minute. Sustained pressure on the Rochdale defence finally told as Ben Chapman found the back of the net, breathing life back into the home crowd and setting the stage for a thrilling final 25 minutes.
The comeback was complete just three minutes later when Ebbsfleet were awarded a penalty. Bingham stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, levelling the scores and capping a remarkable turnaround. The momentum had decisively swung in Ebbsfleet’s favour. Both sides pressed for a winner in the closing stages, with a series of substitutions disrupting the rhythm of the game but adding to the already tense atmosphere. Despite the late flurry of activity, neither team could break the deadlock, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw.
Coming into the match, Rochdale’s superior form, including a two-game winning streak, contrasted sharply with Ebbsfleet’s three consecutive defeats. Rochdale also held a higher league position, reflecting their stronger overall performance this season. While Ebbsfleet will undoubtedly draw positives from their spirited second-half performance, the draw does little to improve their precarious position near the foot of the table. Rochdale, despite dropping two points, maintained their place amongst the league’s leading contenders. The draw represents only the third tie between these two sides in their recent history.